After JWA folded, Kimura joined New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) in 1973 as a junior heavyweight. He mainly worked on the undercard during this tenure, until he was sent to North America on a learning excursion.

Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre, Universal Wrestling Association and World Wrestling Council (1977-1980)[edit]

In early 2003 Kengo Kimura announced that he would retire at the end of the "Kengo Kimura Inazuma Countdown Tour". Kimura's retirement match took place on March 23, 2003 where he wrestled Osamu Nishimura to a time limit draw.[10] Since his official retirement Kimura has only made one or two "special appearances" in the wrestling ring.